Discover the Best of Tel Aviv, From Beaches to Nightlife

Experience the magical beach town of Herzliya. After a day of sailing the Mediterranean, sip custom cocktails at The Rooftop Bar under a setting sun. Tap into your intellectual side with politically and socially motivated contemporary art, or simply relax in the sand at one of the city’s many golden beaches. We are here to help you make memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Set Sail from the Marina

The well-respected Via Maris Sailing School is considered one of the best in Israel. The club owns a fleet of new yachts and provides training and enrichment courses in sailing. Via Maris offers three hours sailing on a yacht for up to four participants with an instructor. You can also rent yachts for special occasions, including a luxury boat with a bedroom suite for overnight. 

2. Visit Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art

Cool off in this internationally renowned contemporary art museum. The works exhibited here primarily focus on various perspectives on Israel’s social and political situation. Every year, the museum presents four exhibitions that are linked to current events. Nine new exhibitions are on display now through August. 

3. Spend a Day at the Beach

Herzliya’s Promenade is a stretch of 7.5 kilometers of golden coastline and seven beaches. Along the Promenade, there are lifeguard stations, showers, changing rooms, and coffee shops. A separate beach serving the religious public is available, as well. Beach volleyball and surfing clubs are here, too, for the beach sports enthusiast in your travel group. 

4. Sip Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar

With your sights on the Mediterranean horizon from the 12th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya, this will be an evening to remember. Known as one of the most exceptional rooftop bars near Tel Aviv, our Rooftop Bar is a contemporary approach to cocktails in the open air. Sip on classic or inventive cocktails crafted with your taste in mind. 

5. Explore Apollonia National Park

Step into an ancient clifftop city, settled for the first time by the Phoenicians in the 6th century BCE. Apollonia National Park offers a number of stunning lookout points, including the Tamarisk clifftop, plus a view of the Crusader Fortress. Lovers Bench overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, making for a romantic picnic site. You may even spot wildlife such as Greek tortoises and star lizards. 

Waterfront concerts, a sprawling green park and surfing lessons are just a few experiences that will make Herzliya feel like home. When you are ready to relax, we will lavish you with a spa treatment only found near the Dead Sea. Our guide gives you an insider’s view on the most treasured ways to experience all sides of this beautiful seaside town.

1. Concerts on the Water

Live musical entertainment is available throughout the summer in Herzliya. For example, on Tuesdays in July and August, visit the Music on Water festival at Herzliya Marina Plaza, to witness Israeli artists perform. In late July, experience a series of jazz and world music at sunset during Jazz on the Beach.

2. Artists’ Residence

As one of Herzliya’s cultural institutions, the Artists’ Residence hosts a gallery for exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. The Residence considers itself a creative and dynamic space for action, supporting the exhibition of contemporary art. It serves as a home to a growing community of artists from Israel and around the world. Experience one of its latest exhibitions as you cool off from the summer heat. 

3. Wrap Yourself in Dead Sea Luxury

Time spent in Herzliya would not be complete without a Dead Sea spa treatment. The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya Spa offers a holistic body scrub and black mud wrap drenched in minerals and nutrients. A soothing body butter massage envelops you in true Mediterranean lavishness. A spa visit also includes a Turkish Hammam bath and an innovative fitness center overlooking the sea. 

4. Ride the Waves

Water sports enthusiasts consider Herzliya one of the best surfing locations in Israel, thanks to minimal barriers to the sea’s waves. The Reef Surfing and Diving Center is open during the summer, offering private surfing and diving lessons with experienced instructors. Equipment rental is available throughout the day, as well. Diving will lend you the opportunity to witness Herzliya’s deep-sea secrets, such as sword fish, the rock reef and sea turtles. 

5. Visit Herzliya Park and the City

Herzliya is divided into two parts: the city to the east and the beach area to the west. Herzliya Park is a great reason to step away from the beaches and into the residential city atmosphere. The park offers spacious lawns, a barbecue area, an amphitheater and a lake. A biking path and running course invite you to unwind with exercise before heading deeper into the city for falafel, coffee and shopping. 

Israel is known for its falafel and hummus. But Herzliya is a haven for seafood favorites, nearby markets, and the trendy taste of Israel’s high-tech workforce. Experience the delicacies of this town nestled on the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the vibrant local energy. Ritz-Carlton chefs provide their personal recommendations of where they enjoy the bounty and pleasures of Herzliya.

1. Shop at the Shuk

Being only a 15-minute drive from vibrant Tel Aviv, the trip to this local shuk, or market, for fresh spices, warm desserts such as rugalach and other Israeli delicacies is a treat. The Carmel Market has a reputation as the largest authentic Middle Eastern shuk in Tel Aviv, making it a tourist favorite. Tel Aviv Port boasts some of the best Israeli cuisine as well as in-market cooking tutorials from some of Israel’s most respected chefs. Some restaurants here also serve kosher charcuterie.

2. Lunch in the Industrial Zone

Herzliya’s Industrial Zone is known to locals as a hybrid of Israel’s high-tech companies’ offices and a trendy social atmosphere. Public events take place regularly, including a farmers’ market every Thursday afternoon, as well as street parties. All this attracts visitors from elsewhere in Israel who hope to enjoy the nightlife and chic restaurants.

3.  Sea and Food Festival

The Sea and Food Festival features some of the best and most prestigious restaurants in the city, such as El Gaucho, River, and White Hall. This elegant festival takes place on the beaches of Herzliya. You will have the opportunity to taste boutique beers and Israeli wines, too. Cooking workshops and live performances also are scheduled.

4. Herbert Samuel Herzliya

Get a glimpse of the celebrated chef in action from an open kitchen at the most elegant fine-dining kosher restaurants in Israel. This exceptional culinary experience overlooking the Herzliya Marina offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, accompanied by a spectacular winter menu.

5. Taste Traditional Challah

If you are visiting Herzliya during Shabbat, or the Jewish Sabbath, be sure to visit a local bakery such as Nisso Patisserie before sundown on Friday to pick up a freshly baked challah. This traditional egg bread is a Shabbat dinner table staple year-round, and a tasty treat as the city welcomes their day of rest.